Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

Unhappily ever after in a galaxy far, far away: the tragedy of Rey Skywalker and Ben Solo

Posted Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 10:40 AM

LITTLE ROCK — “These violent delights have violent ends. And in their triumph die like fire and powder which, as they kiss, consume.” — Romeo and Juliet

Assuming Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Ben Solo/Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) still have feelings for one another, as demonstrated in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017), "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" could be a Shakespeare-like tragedy with dire consequences.

This trajectory, of course, spells doom for one or both of the main characters in the upcoming "Star Wars" film. The star-crossed lovers' rumor is one of the less prominent online, but there are plenty of avenues for J.J. Abrams to travel down to deliver an epic love story, intertwined amid all the most popular theories, and an action-packed conclusion to a cinematic storyline that began in 1977.

Absurd as it still sounds, the idea that Rey might even be the offspring of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is gaining validity courtesy of the Star Wars rumor mill. Would it be the worst idea the #StarWars universe ever put on the Silver Screen? "Messa don't think so." This theory is highly questionable though. But it would sure make things awkward if Rey decided to bring Ben home to meet daddy. "If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed!"

Actress Daisy Ridley in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

Rey gives herself over to the dark side of the Force? She tries to reconvert Ben Solo? Don't be foolish in Vegas and bet on red just because Rey is shown wielding a double-sided lightsaber favoring Darth Maul's (Ray Park) weapon of choice. Rather, put all your money on Rey being Kylo Ren's cousin. And their familial bond will further complicate things for the two young Jedi.

Kissing cousins? Maybe. It just depends if J.J. Abrams decides to pursue or axe the romantic connection that formed between Ben Solo and Rey in #TheLastJedi. However, the odds of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker's respective offspring teaming up to defeat the Emperor in the upcoming movie: 99.999999999 percent! Will one of the lovers have to sacrifice everything to defeat Palpatine? It all sounds very Shakespearean.

Yes, the theory that Rey is the daughter of Luke Skywalker still has the most traction online. But why did Luke leave Rey on Jakku as revealed in #TheForceAwakens? The answer may lie in the wise words of old Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness): "To protect you both from the Emperor, you were both hidden from your father when you were born." Hmm?

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is noticeably absent from the first #RiseOfSkywalker trailer and #D23 footage even though his narration gives fans hope of his physical or Force ghost return. Hamill is in the movie. That's a fact and there's no debating his participation in the third installment of the sequel trilogy.

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) duel in "The Rise of Skywalker"

Will he RISE from the dead? Will the Force ghosts of Luke, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christiensen), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Yoda (Frank Oz) appear in the movie? A betting man might want to double down on this rumor.

Don't expect any of the Force ghosts to interfere in the battle with the Emperor. As the footage already revealed courtesy of Luke's narration: this is "your" fight. Rey's fight? Ben's fight? Both? Regardless, an appearance by all four Force ghosts — giving the Jedi sage advice — seems highly plausible.

Despite confusion and/or frustration, all Star Wars' fans burning questions will be answered in less than four months. Just remember — assuming the love yarn is threaded throughout "The Rise of Skywalker" — "Romeo and Juliet," even set in space, will end badly.

"A glooming peace this morning with it brings. The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head. Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things. Some shall be pardoned, and some punishèd. For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”